adjective

intrasexual

in-truh-SEK-shoo-uhl

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Intrasexual (adjective) means taking place among members of a single sex rather than between the sexes. Example: “Researchers studied intrasexual competition among male deer during the rut.”

adjective

Taking place among members of a single sex rather than between the sexes.

"Researchers studied intrasexual competition among male deer during the rut."

"Intrasexual rivalry can influence how animals choose their displays."

"The study looked at intrasexual conflict between female birds over nesting sites."

How to use intrasexual

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHappening among members of the same sex, not between the sexes.

When to use it

It is a technical term found mainly in scientific and academic writing.

Memory tip

Remember intra- means 'within', so intrasexual stays inside one sex, unlike inter-, which means 'between'.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

intersexual

Common pairings

intrasexual competition intrasexual selection intrasexual conflict intrasexual rivalry

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “intrasexual” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Researchers studied _____ competition among male deer during the rut.

Etymology

The word is built from the prefix intra-, meaning within, joined to sexual. Together they describe something that happens inside a single sex group rather than between the sexes.

Origin: English

Rhymes for intrasexual

dual equal usual sexual manual annual actual ritual mutual casual visual accrual

See all rhymes for intrasexual →

Frequently asked questions

What does intrasexual mean?

It describes something that happens within one sex, such as competition among males or among females.

How is intrasexual different from intersexual?

Intrasexual refers to activity within the same sex, while intersexual refers to interaction between the sexes; they are separate terms with different meanings.

Where is the word intrasexual used?

It is mostly used in biology and psychology, especially when discussing competition or selection within a sex.

What is the meaning of intrasexual?

"intrasexual" (adjective) means taking place among members of a single sex rather than between the sexes.